Video gaming machine for casino games

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a system and method for the play of casino games. Casino games are played on a gaming machine that includes a processor and at least one video camera for detecting images of the user and a remote controlled electronic lock. A reader associated with the gaming machine detects a transponder circuit containing encoded user information. Using the detected information, the gaming machine may be used to play casino games or, if the user is authorized to gain access to the interior of the gaming machine, the electronic lock is activated to permit access to the interior of the cabinet. The decision to provide access is made at a casino server. If unauthorized play or access is detected, video images are transmitted by the casino server to wireless Internet cellular telephones so that security personnel can identify the individual attempting the unauthorized play or access.

[0001] This invention claims priority under pending Provisional PatentApplication Serial number 06/283,307 filed Apr. 13, 2001 entitled SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR LIVE INTERACTIVE REMOTE GAMING USING CASINO-BASED PROXIESand Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 06/301,939 filed Jun. 29,2001 entitled INTELLIGENT CASINO MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FORMANAGING INTERACTIVE REAL-TIME NETWORK GAMING SYSTEMS, both of which areassigned to VT TECH Corp. of Simi Valley, Calif., the assignee of thepresent invention, and the disclosures of which are incorporated hereinfor all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] (1) Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a system and method for playingcasino games and more specifically to a gaming machine system thatsupports remote play and manages access by repair and maintenancepersonnel.

[0004] (2)

[0005] Playing games of chance over the Internet is a popular past timefor many people. Indeed a recent report indicates that more than 1,200“on-line” casinos attract a large number of players who are otherwiseunable to travel to a physical casino and play their desired casino gamein person. In the Internet embodiment, the casino is little more than acomputer server connected to the World Wide Web or other communicationnetwork. The computer server acts as a gateway to computer softwareprograms that, when executed, replicate a game of chance. For example,the computer software replicates games of chance such as roulette,baccarat, craps, blackjack, pai gow (an Asian poker game) or slots,depending on the player desires. When a player accesses the computerserver, the request to play a particular game is directed to therequested software and the player plays against the computer. In suchgames, the computer uses a random number generator to simulate therandom nature of the casino game.

[0006] While software-generated casino games may closely replicate theodds of winning, many players would prefer to play at an actual casinowhere there is a real deck of cards, a real pair of die or a real videoslot machine such as is commonly found in “brick and mortar” casinos.For this reason, a real-time interactive gaming system (RIGS) wasdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,552, assigned to VT TECH Corp., theassignee of the present invention. The RIGS provides a platform whereplayers can selectively play either casino games from a remote locationor software generated games of chance. In order for the RIGS platform tofunction at sites remote from the traditional “land-based” casino, asecure gaming machine is needed. Preferably, the secure gaming machinewill support remote play at either a live table game or a video slotgame or the like. What is also needed is an entertainment venue whereadults can play casino games in a legal social setting remote from acasino.

[0007] One problem that arises from remote gaming is that it isdifficult for the player to collect the stake at the end of play.Accordingly, what is also needed is a gaming machine that accepts cashand provides for the electronic transfer of funds to establish and tocash out a player's stake. Clearly, it is also desirable that the casinobe able to monitor operation of the gaming machine to ensure that it hasnot been compromised by unauthorized access.

[0008] With widely dispersed gaming machines it is difficult to maintainsecurity. Typically, remotely located slot machines or video pokermachines comprise a cabinet that have an access door. A conventionalkeyed lock usually secures the access door. Unfortunately, maintainingan inventory of keys is complicated by employee turnover and lost keys.When employees depart with their key or keys are lost, security concernsrequire that the lock be re-keyed. Unfortunately, it is expensive tore-key locks. Thus, some method is needed to ensure that only authorizedemployees gain access to the interior of the gaming machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a gaming machine system for usein remote locations, typically outside of a traditional land-basedcasino. Alternatively, the gaming machine system is located inside thetraditional land-based casino when greater control over the access tothe interior of the gaming machine is required. More particularly, thepresent invention relates to a gaming machine that may be used for bothremote play at a table game or as a slot machine. The gaming machine maybe located at a kiosk or other non-casino public sites such as coffeeshops, nightclubs, hotels or virtually any other non-traditional casinolocation. Remote kiosks enable several players to remotely participatein the play of casino games while at the same time conveying the senseof excitement, social interaction and entertainment as if the remoteplayer were physically present at a traditional casino.

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, the gaming machine isconfigured to support both cash and cashless wagering. The gamingmachine is coupled to a traditional land-based casino by a communicationnetwork to provide remote play capability and to monitor the play rateof the player. The gaming system also enables remote monitoring andcontrol of access to the interior of the gaming machine.

[0011] In one preferred embodiment, the gaming machine is housed in atraditional slot machine cabinet well known in the field of casino gamemanufacturing. A variety of such cabinets are well known in the field.Inside the cabinet, the game machine includes a processor for generatinga game of chance, an access control device (which is also referred to asa player detection device), at least one video camera and an electroniclock remotely controlled over the network by the casino securitypersonnel.

[0012] When the gaming machine is used as a slot machine, the on-boardprocessor generates each play of the game including the result andtransmits this information to the casino's casino server. Alternatively,the gaming machine may be configured to operate as a seat at a liveaction table game such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,762,552 or at aproxy game conducted at the casino such as described in U.S. patentapplication, Ser. No. ______, filed concurrently herewith (AttorneyDocket No. 16-109) entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LIVE INTERACTIVEREMOTE GAMING USING CASINO-BASED PROXIES both of which are assigned tothe assignee of the present invention.

[0013] Examples of a live action table game are casino games based oncards (black jack, pai gow, baccarat, etc), die (e.g., craps) or wheels(e.g., roulette). A proxy game means that a player who is not at thecasino is able to remotely place wagers on a casino game with theoutcome determined by the play of another player playing at the casino.The remote player merely determines the size of the wager and the proxyplayer responsible for the actual play.

[0014] Each player may access a cash account maintained with the casinoor access a third party credit card account. Player access is, in oneembodiment, initiated using a non-contact proximity device encoded withplayer identification information. By way of example, non-contactproximity devices include radio frequency identification (RFID) circuitsand Bi-Statix identification circuits. BiStatix technology is availablefrom Motorola Inc. Proximity devices may be in the form of a plasticcredit card, a pendant, a ring, a key tag or the like carried by theplayer. When proximity devices are positioned proximate to the gamingmachine, an access control device detects the proximity device andinitiates a sequence of operations to activate the gaming machine'soperation. Players may also establish or add to their stake bydepositing currency by way of a bill collector.

[0015] The access control device is coupled to the gaming machine'sprocessor, which transmits the information to the casino's casino serverover a communication network. Thus, a player's account information maybe maintained at the casino and accessed by the player regardless ofwhere they play.

[0016] The access control device also detects when a casino employee ispresent at the gaming machine and needs to gain access to the interiorof the gaming machine. The access control device notifies the casino'ssecurity office over the communication network that the employee ispresent by transmitting this information to the casino's casino server.The server interfaces with an electronic lock that controls access tothe interior of the gaming machine by authorized personnel at authorizedtime periods.

[0017] In operation, casino personnel are issued a non-contact proximitydevice encoded with their employee information. When an employee arrivesat the gaming machine, the encoded proximity device is positionedproximate to the access control device and the employee information istransmitted to the casino's server to notify the casino security staff.The employee may be required to enter a password to request access tothe interior of the gaming machine. If the casino security staffapproves the access request, the electronic lock is activated to provideaccess.

[0018] The video camera associated with the gaming machine is positionedto capture the image of the player or casino employee. The cameraenables the casino to readily implement casino security procedures atremote locations. The output of the video camera is recorded at thecasino server and is available should there be a dispute regardingpayment, the manner of play or access by casino employees.

[0019] The casino server is coupled to each of the gaming machines byway of a communication network, which by way of example may be theInternet, a wireless (IEEE 802.11) or wireline local area network (LAN),the telephone network (often referred to as “Public Switched TelephoneNetwork” or PSTN, or “Plain Old Telephone System” or POTS) or a virtualprivate network. Advantageously, the communication link enables theplayer or employee information and video image to be viewed by securitypersonnel so that the casino security staff can monitor activity at thegaming machine in real-time even if the gaming machine located at aremote site.

[0020] The gaming machine system of the present invention is moreclearly described in the following detailed description of a preferredembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of one embodiment of an exemplarycomputer-based gaming machine system for practicing the invention.

[0022]FIG. 2 illustrates a method for monitoring play at the gamingmachine in accordance with the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 3 shows a method for detecting the presence of a casinoemployee at the gaming machine in accordance with the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 4 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of agaming machine.

[0025]FIG. 4 illustrates one preferred embodiment of exterior the gamingmachine.

[0026]FIG. 5 illustrates a front perspective view of the gaming machinewith the access door opened.

[0027]FIG. 6 illustrates a lock assembly for controlling access to theinterior of the gaming machine.

[0028]FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of an intelligent casinomanagement network system for coupling a plurality of game machines to acasino server.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029] The present invention relates to a casino gaming machine. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to an improved gamingmachine for the play of slots, table games or other games of chance. Inthe following description of the preferred embodiment, reference is madeto the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which isshown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which theinvention may be practiced. Wherever possible, the same referencenumbers will be used throughout in the drawings to refer to the same orlike components. It is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scopeof the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a computer-based gamingmachine 100 configured for secure play at a location that is either in atraditional casino or outside the casino at a kiosk or othernon-traditional location. With gaming machine 100, a player establishesa stake by either depositing currency or accessing an account maintainedby the casino. Gaming machine 100 includes a currency collector 102 thataccepts the deposit of either paper currency or coins.

[0031] In accordance with the present invention, each player may alsoaccess a private account maintained for the player by the casino with apersonal identification card (not shown) that includes encoded playerinformation. Identification cards are also referred to herein as IDcards. Gaming machine 100 includes a proximity detector circuit 104 todetect and transfer the ID card information to a processor 106.Processor is a computer-based system having its own microprocessor,memory and programming instructions as is well understood in the art.

[0032] Processor 106 monitors currency detector 102 and proximitydetector circuit 104 and transfers account information to a casinoserver 108 over a local network 110 whenever a player begins play atgaming machine 100. Local network 110 may be a system bus or a localarea network (LAN) such as Ethernet.

[0033] Gaming machine 100 also includes a network interface 108, whichis coupled to processor 106 by local network 110; a visual display 112for presenting the play of the game of chance; and a user interface 114to enable the player to access their casino account and to play the gameof chance. A bus 116, separate from bus 110, couples processor 106 todisplay 112 and user interface 114. By separating bus 116 from bus 110,the player is unable to access secure components of the gaming machine100 coupled by bus 110. Gaming machine further includes at least onevideo camera 118 coupled by bus 110 to network 126.

[0034] When processor 106 needs to transfer information to a casinoserver 124, network interface 108, network interface 108 handles thetransfer via communication network 126 which may be the Internet, PSTNor POTS, a proprietary wireless or wireline LAN, or a virtual privatenetwork. In this manner, communication network 126 links each gamingmachine 100 to casino server 124. Casino server 124 maintains eachplayer's account information, which is accessible by the playerregardless of the location of gaming machine 100.

[0035] Gaming machine 100 may be placed at remote locations outside of aconventional casino, such as by way of example at a kiosk located in acoffee shop, airport or some other attended location where it ispossible to restrict access by minors. Since gaming machine 100 may notbe located in a secure location, it is also necessary to preventunauthorized access to the interior of the gaming machine 100 whereprocessor 106 and currency receptacle 102 are located. Conversely, it isoften necessary to provide access to authorized personnel so thatdeposited cash can be collected or repairs made in a timely manner.Monitoring and controlling access to widely dispersed gaming machines isenhanced by the present invention. Rather than rely on a lock activatedby a mechanical key, the gaming machine 100 utilizes an electronicnetwork lock assembly 122 that is coupled to both the proximity detectorcircuit 104 and the casino server 124. Lock assembly 122 controls accessto the interior of gaming machine 100 permitting access only whenapproved by casino security personnel. A request to service the gamingmachine may be either approved and the event logged or disapproved inreal-time.

[0036] Play of a Casino Game at Game Machine

[0037] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, eachplayer begins play by player may begin play of a casino game byaccessing his or her personal account to establish a stake. Players usea casino player identification card having encoded personal informationand an embedded RFID circuit. The player places their identificationcard proximate to reader to establish their stake or credit line. Apassword or other biometric information may be required to verify theplayer's identity. By way of example, biometric information may beobtained by using the video camera to verify identity using facialrecognition techniques. Alternatively, a small keypad may be included aspart of the user interface so that the player or employee can enter apassword in a manner similar to an ATM cash machine verifying the userbefore dispensing money.

[0038] If the player wishes to begin play without using anidentification card, the player must either use casino chips, tokens,coins, paper currency or a credit card. For this reason, currencycollector 102 may include a proximity detector to detect the value ofdeposited casino tokens having embedded RFID circuits.

[0039] Once the stake is established, the gaming machine conveys playerinformation to the casino server where a separate real-time account forevery player is maintained. For each player, the account includesinformation, such as the name, address, age of the player, playerpreferences for food, lodging and entertainment and other informationthe casino may deem of value for their marketing efforts. The casinoserver also maintains a log file that lists the location of the gamingmachine and the games played by the player, the amount of each wager,the amount of the players' stake and the average size of the wager.Casino server also collects additional statistical information regardingthe won/lost percentage and the duration of play for each player for thepresent session and on a cumulative basis. This information is updatedwhile the player plays by logging the information to the log file.

[0040] When a player terminates play, the casino server closes theplayer's account by crediting winnings, deducting losses and saving thelog file. If the log file indicates that the anonymous player has won asubstantial amount of money, the casino server can initiate an alarm toalert casino employees that the player should pay the appropriatewithholding tax or be monitored for improper playing techniques. At theend of each accounting period, the casino may provide an accountstatement to each registered player on a monthly, quarterly, semiannualor annual basis. The account statement may be useful for the player whencalculating their personal income tax return. Cumulative wageringinformation can be used to apportion tax revenue among multiplejurisdictions—specifically, the jurisdiction where the player is locatedand the jurisdiction where the casino is located.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 2, a method for monitoring the play of aplayer is illustrated. Initially, as indicated at step 202, each newplayer begins play by opening their personal account and establishing astake. In one preferred embodiment, players use a casino playeridentification card having an embedded RFID circuit with sufficientmemory to store personal information to quickly identify the player.Such identification cards are well known in the art and are widely usedby casinos to collect information regarding their players. Other formsof RFID devices are also well known and may be used instead of the IDcard. For example, key tags are small cylinders with the embedded theRFID circuit. These key tags can be worn as a small personal article(such as a watch, ring or bracelet. If the player wishes to begin playwithout using an identification card, the player must either be on-siteso that they can buy casino chips or tokens for use at the game serveror use an approved credit card.

[0042] Once the player has established a stake, the gaming machineconveys this information to the casino server as indicated at step 204.The casino server uses the information to establish and maintain aseparate real-time account for every player regarding his or her play.For each player, the account may include identifying information, suchas the name, address, age, player preferences for food, lodging andentertainment and other information the casino may deem of value fortheir marketing efforts. If the player is playing anonymously, theaccount will be maintained but casino staff may approach the player toadvise them of the important comps that are being lost and suggest thatthey obtain an identification card.

[0043] As indicated at step 206, the casino server also maintains a logfile that lists the games played by the player, the amount of eachwager, the amount of the players' stake and the average size of thewager. Casino server also collects information regarding the location ofthe player, the won/lost percentage and the duration of play for eachplayer for each session and on a cumulative basis. This information isupdated during play by logging the information to the log file.

[0044] With gaming machine 100, maintaining the history log associatedwith each player is greatly facilitated compared to manual entry casinoscurrently use for rating play by each player at a table game. If the logfile indicates that the anonymous player has won a substantial amount ofmoney, the casino server can initiate an alarm as indicated at step 208and an attendant can be dispatched to offer the player an ID card forfuture play.

[0045] When a player terminates play, the casino server closes theplayer's account by crediting winnings, deducting losses and saving thelog file as indicated at step 210. Statistical information may beupdated at this time or at selected intervals throughout the day. Whenthe player subsequently returns, the player's account may be re-openedand new information appended to the log file. Alternatively, the playermay present their identification card to the casino and receive thebalance of their account. Advantageously, the value of the account andthe player's password are maintained by the casino and is need not beencoded on the players' identification card.

[0046] Service Access to Interior of Game Machine

[0047] In addition to tracking players while they are playing a casinogame, the present system also provides information regarding the casinoemployee or employees servicing gaming machine 100 as illustrated inFIG. 3. To gain access to the interior of the gaming machine, casinoemployees use an employee identification card (not shown) having encodedpersonal information and an embedded RFID circuit that is detectable bythe proximity detector circuit as indicated at step 302. When access isdesired, casino service employees identify themselves as present at thegaming machine (see FIG. 1) by placing their proximity device 122 nearproximity detector 104 and optionally entering a password. The proximitydevices may be in the form of a plastic credit card, a pendant, a ring,a key tag or the like. The gaming machine includes a proximity detectorcircuit that detects the presence of the proximity device.

[0048] The employee's information and video image is transmitted fromthe gaming machine to the casino server as indicated at step 304. If theemployee is authorized to access the interior of the gaming machine asindicated at step 306, the electronic lock is activated as indicated atstep 308. If access is not authorized, security or police may benotified to take appropriate action as indicated at step 310. Securityinformation is preferably maintained at the casino's casino server.

[0049] An access log file is maintained by the casino server to includeinformation identifying the employee, the date and time, the amount ofmoney in the cash collector device and the duration of time the gamingmachine remains unlocked as indicated at step 314. The casino servermonitors the maintenance service interval and automatically verifiesthat the gaming machine is securely locked when maintenance is completedas indicated at step 316. If the gaming machine is left unlocked for anatypical amount of time or if an unauthorized person attempts to accessgame machine, the casino server generates an alarm and automaticallynotifies police or other security personnel as indicated at step 318.The alarm provides the location of the gaming machine and a descriptionof the problem for casino security personnel or police.

[0050] A video image of the person causing the alarm is transmitted toweb-enabled cell phone or computers coupled to the Internet or otherwireless network to assist police in identifying the people to questionor detain to resolve the problem as indicated at step 320.

[0051] If no alarm condition is detected, the log file is closed andmonitoring activity is terminated as indicated at step 322.

[0052] Gaming Machine Configuration

[0053]FIG. 4 illustrates one preferred embodiment of exterior of gamingmachine 100. As illustrated, gaming machine 100 comprises a slot machinecabinet 400 of a type that is well known in the field of casino games.In this embodiment, game machine 100 includes a forward facing videodisplay 112 for displaying either a broadcast of a live game of chancefrom a selected casino or a video slot or card game. Game machine 100also includes a control panel 404 having a plurality of push buttons406A-406F for controlling, by way of example, the rate of play andmanner of play and the size of the wager. A deposit slot 408 acceptspaper currency while coins are deposited in deposit slot 410 so that aplayer may establish a stake without accessing an account. Deposit slots408 and 410 are coupled to currency collector 102 so that deposits canbe counted and the amount conveyed to processor 106 to establish thestake. Gaming machine 100 further includes a coin receptacle 412 wherecoins are dispensed to pay off winning wagers if the player has not yetestablished a casino account.

[0054] A first video camera 414 is positioned to record the image of aplayer viewing the video display 402. A ceiling-mounted video camera 416may be positioned external from the gaming machine 100 to capture thevideo image of the player from a different perspective.

[0055] Proximity detector 104 includes an antenna 418 built into thesurface of gaming machine as indicted by the dashed lines in FIG. 4. Ifthe player has a key tag or similar identification card, antenna 418detects the presence whenever the ID card is proximate to the antenna.It will be appreciated that the RFID device comprises a transpondercircuit encoded with information. The transponder transmits the encodedinformation whenever it is placed proximate to the antenna of a readersuch as proximity detector 104.

[0056] A contact card reader 418 may be included so that players mayinitiate a stake or replenish their account using a standard credit cardwhere personal information is maintained on a magnetic stripe.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 5 a front perspective view of the gamingmachine 100 console is illustrated with the front panel 502 swung opento permit access to the interior of the gaming machine 100. It will beappreciated that gaming machine 100 may have a rear panel door so thatthe maintenance personnel may work on the machine away from players atadjacent machines. Many of the typical components of the gaming machine,such as the display device, the processor or the currency collectionmechanism are not shown to illustrate more clearly how lock assembly 122is positioned to secure the gaming machine.

[0058] Lock assembly 122 is a security access control device thatsecures and manages entry to the interior of gaming machine 100. Securemeans that the lock assembly 122 maintains the front panel in a closedand locked position until the casino security staff authorizes access.Access management provides the casino the ability to remotely monitorand determine whether access is authorized. Thus, even though the gamingmachine detects an employee ID card, access may be denied if othercriteria are not satisfied.

[0059] One preferred lock assembly 122 is commercially available from VTTECH Corp. the assignee of the present invention and is marketed underthe Prox-eLock trademark. The Prox-eLock lock is a single door securityaccess controller that may be networked and remotely controlled. Anelectric strike lock or an electromagnetic lock device 502 is mounted onopposing bars 504 and 506 that span the interior of gaming machine 100.When the strike is engaged, front panel 502 is securely fastened to thecabinet in the closed position. Preferably, lock assembly 122 has afailed-secured scheme so that the panel remains locked when the power togaming machine is lost.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, lock assembly 122 includes a computer, CPU602, responsible for controlling lock operations. Program instructionsare stored in a memory 604 that includes both non-volatile memory andvolatile memory. Nonvolatile memory includes EEPROM, PROM and flashmemory. Volatile memory means random access memory that may be used tostore access related information.

[0061] A real-time clock 606 keeps track of access grant or denialtransactions. An access transaction is initiated by presentation of anemployee ID card at detector 104. Employee information obtained bydetector 104 is passed to CPU 602 by a reader interface circuit 610 thathandles timing and other transfer dependent variables. Detector 104,often referred to as a reader, reads ID card or tags and may be based onbarcode, magnetic, smartcard, or RFID encoded information. Biometricinformation (fingerprint, retina, face or voice information may also becollected by an additional reader (not shown). Detector 104 is mountedinside the gaming cabinet to prevent vandalism and is connected toantenna 418 (See FIG. 4) or it may be connected to a separate antenna onthe backside of the gaming machine. It is to be understood that gamingmachine 100 may include a plurality of detectors. Reader interface 610may comprise a standard Wiegand, RS-232, RS-485 or Ethernet interfacecard. Sensors and relays 612 are used to monitor input signals such asdoor open/close, reader power and video camera and to initiate operationof the door strike, alarms 618, control indicators 620 and the videocamera 408, respectively.

[0062] General I/O module 614 permits entry of additional informationusing, by way of example, a keypad. A power supply 622 supplies theappropriate voltage and current to operate lock assembly 122.Preferably, power supply 622 includes a battery back-up to maintainoperation in the event of a power failure. A processor interface 624manages the bus 110 interface with other components of gaming machine100.

[0063] In operation, one or more individuals (such as a casino'smaintenance supervisor) may be provided a master ID card to open anygaming machine at a specific site.

[0064] If the casino tokens include RFID circuits, the security accesscontrol unit monitors the deposit of the tokens. Since the RFID circuitincludes encoded security codes, the use of counterfeit tokens isprevented. Further, the encoded information includes the token's valueso tracking and inventory is greatly facilitated.

[0065] When a contact or contact-less smart card is used for making awager, the security access control unit detects information encoded inthe card and enables the player to access their personal account,maintained by the casino, for placing a wager. Once the player isrecognized, the casino server monitors the duration and rate of play sothat casino comps may be distributed in accordance with the value to thecasino. When the player has completed play, the player's account isupdated.

[0066]FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of an intelligent casinomanagement network system 700 for coupling a plurality of game machinesto the casino server. The casino management network system ishierarchical in nature so that separate computer systems are responsiblefor various tasks associated with conducting a game of chance withplayers located in remote locations. This hierarchical structureprovides important safeguards that are necessary due to the public'saccess to the casino's networked system and the risk of hackers orcyber-criminals improperly manipulating accounting information, wageramounts or game results.

[0067] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, the remote environment702 is coupled to the brick and mortar casino environment 704 by apublic or private communication network 126, which may be the Internet,public telephone network, a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN).

[0068] In casino environment 704, a network manager 706 manages theconnection and the exchange of information between the remote gamingmachines and the casino server 124. Network manager 706 is preferably acomputer server system configured to maintain communication threads witha plurality of remote environments although only one is illustrated inFIG. 7. Similarly, the number of casino environments is not restrictedto a single casino.

[0069] When network manager 602 receives information from the remoteenvironment 702, player information is passed to casino server 124 toinitiate play. During the course of play, casino server 124 maintains adetailed log of play by each authorized player until the playerterminates play. Casino server 124 is responsible for notifying gamingmachine 100 of the account status for the player at the gaming machine.By way of example, a remote player's status may be either authorized toplay, currently playing one or more games of chance, inactive,terminated.

[0070] Casino server 124 maintains a separate list log file for eachremote player together with each wager. The advantage of list log fileis that it enables revenue sharing between different casino properties.This is particularly advantageous if a player begins play at a firstcasino but then selects a game at a different casino property in adifferent jurisdiction.

[0071] To minimize disruption due to failure of casino server 124,backup computer systems (not shown) are operated in parallel so there isalways on-line redundancy. For higher levels of reliability (and tominimize the likelihood of improper manipulation of data in real-time),tertiary redundant casino server computer systems (not illustrated)enable periodic votes to determine whether there is agreement. If thereis a disagreement: (1) the majority will prevail; (2) the losing systemwill be flagged as operating in an error state; and (3) systemadministrators will be notified of the error.

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 7, network manager 706 includes a securesocket layer 708 to provide a secure environment to transfer account andwager information over network 126. The use of secure socket layer 708is common in the art of network communications and will not be furtherdiscussed herein. Network manager 706 may include data storage space forretaining a record of the communication traffic with each remote playerin a list log file (not shown). Although not illustrated, networkmanager 706 may comprise a plurality of computer server systemsconfigured to balance the number of players on each system. Further,network manager may include a plurality of redundant computer serversconfigured to operate in tandem to provide a high degree of faulttolerance and reliability.

[0073] On the casino environment side, network manager 706 communicatesover network 710 through a secure socket layer and firewall 712 tomaximize secure communications with casino server 124. In the preferredembodiment, casino server 124 is also provided with a firewall and meansfor establishing a secure socket layer 714.

[0074] When network manager 706 receives communication from a remoteuser, the information is transmitted to the casino server 124. Casinoserver 124 generates a log file maintained on a storage area network(SAN) 716 of every message sent or received by network manager 706.

[0075] For each player, personalization information is collected byfloor manger 720, transmitted to casino server 124 and retained so thatthe casino will know the player's preferences. Historical informationincludes data indicative of the player's average rate of play andaverage wagered amount for each game of chance and for each visit. Thecasino server will also maintain a stake for each player. This amountwill increase or decrease as the player participates in one or moregames of chance. When a wager is placed, a portion of the stake must beallocated to cover the wager in the event of a loss. A wager list ismaintained to trace each wager place, the game ID and the result.Winning wagers are credited to the stake and losing wagers are deductedfrom the stake.

[0076] The data retained by casino server 124 represents comprehensivefine grain statistical data that enables the casino to drill down toobtain complete perspective of casino operations in real-time.Alternatively, the collected information enables a broader perspectivefor refining casino operations.

[0077] Video manager 718 is a computer server system dedicated tomanaging the stream of video data captured by a plurality of videocameras associated with gaming machines in the remote environment. Videomanager 718 includes a storage area network for storing at least twovideo streams from each gaming machine in compressed format. Videomanager 718 correlates the receipt of video with a time stamp so that itmay be readily matched to the log file entries.

[0078] In remote environment 702, a floor manager 720 provides a portalto the non-traditional casino environment 704 through a secure socketlayer connection 722. Floor manager 720 also manages a plurality ofremote gaming machines 100A-100(n) over local area network 724. It willbe appreciated that floor manager functions as a local server as mayprovide additional functions such as video compression, date encryption,network management functions or redundant storage resources for casinoserver 124.

[0079] While certain exemplary preferred embodiments have been describedand shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that suchembodiments are merely illustrative of and not restrictive on the broadinvention. Further, it is to be understood that this invention shall notbe limited to the specific construction and arrangements shown anddescribed since various modifications or changes may occur to those ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as claimed.

We claim:
 1. A system for playing a casino game comprising: acommunication network; a cabinet having processor, a user interface forinitiating and controlling the play of a game of chance, a display,means for establishing a stake for the player, a reader for receivinginformation specific to a user and a network interface for establishinga network connection over said communication network; a casino servercoupled to said processor by said communication network, said casinoserver adapted to maintain an account for the user while said user isplaying said casino game; and means for securing said cabinet, saidsecuring means including a reader for receiving a request by said userfor access to the interior of said cabinet; said means for securingcoupled to said processor so that in response to an access request,information regarding the identity of said person is transmitted to saidcasino server over said communication network so as to selectivelyenable remote determination whether access is authorized.
 2. The systemfor playing a casino game of claim 1 further comprising: a first videocamera, coupled to said securing means and said processor, forgenerating an image of said user in response to receipt of said request.3. The system for playing a casino game of claim 1 further comprising: anon-contact reader adapted to detect information regarding said user;and means for acquiring authenticating information from said user. 4.The system for playing a casino game of claim 3 wherein said informationis maintained on an RFID device, said RFID device comprising atransponder circuit encoded with information corresponding to said user.5. The system for playing a casino game of claim 3 wherein saidauthenticating information comprises biometrics information.
 6. Thesystem for playing a casino game of claim 3 wherein said casino serveris adapted to detect when said user is a casino employee authorized togain access to the interior of said cabinet.
 7. The system for playing acasino game of claim 5 wherein said casino server is adapted to maintaina log file of each access to the interior of said cabinet, said log fileincluding the identification of said employee, the time of access andthe duration of access.
 8. The system for playing a casino game of claim7 further comprising means for generating an alarm and for transmittinga video image of said person attempting to gain access to the interiorof said cabinet to at least one wireless display unit.
 9. The system ofclaim 8 wherein said wireless display unit comprises a cellular phone.10. The system for playing a casino game of claim 2 further comprisingmeans for generating an alarm and for transmitting a video image of saidperson attempting to gain access to the interior of said cabinet to atleast one wireless display unit.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein saidwireless display unit comprises a portable Internet cellular phone. 12.The system for playing a casino game of claim 10 wherein said casinoserver is adapted to maintain a log file of all access to the cabinetincluding the identification of said user, the time of access and theduration of access.
 13. The system of claim 1 wherein said readercomprises a security access controller that detects information encodedon an RFID circuit when said RFID circuit is positioned proximate tosaid security access controller.
 14. The system of claim 13 furthercomprising an electronic lock controlled by said security accesscontroller.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein said security accesscontroller requires authorized information from said RFID circuit andauthorization from said casino server before activating said electroniclock.
 16. A method for controlling access to the interior of a gamingmachine and for initiating play of a casino game at said gaming machinecomprising the steps of: A) detecting the presence of a person at saidgaming machine; B) if said person is a player, establishing a stake forsaid player; C) initializing the play of said casino game; D)maintaining a log file containing information regarding the play of saidplayer; E) monitoring the play of said player for alarm conditions; andH) repeating steps A-E until said player terminates play at said gamingmachine.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the steps of: I)if, in response to step A, it is determined that said person isauthorized to gain access to the interior of said gaming machine,requesting authorization to provide such access; J) if saidauthorization is granted, providing access to the interior of saidgaming machine; K) maintaining a log file containing informationregarding the person and the duration of said access; L) monitoring thegaming machine for a plurality of alarm conditions; M) initiating arequest for security response if at least one of said plurality of alarmconditions is detected; and N) terminating access to the interior ofsaid gaming machine.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising thestep of transmitting a video signal of the person attempting to accesssaid gaming machine to a wireless portable device with video display.19. The method of claim 17 wherein said determining step comprises thesteps of: O) acquiring information from a transponder circuit containingencoded information regarding the person attempting to access theinterior of the gaming machine; and P) verifying that the encodedinformation corresponds to previously acquired biometric information.20. The method of claim 19 wherein said verifying step is performed by acasino server.